Stories from Our Community

Behind the scenes and on the front lines, we hear stories every day of goodwill and grace.Your compassion and commitment to hunger relief provides meals to families, children and individuals...restoring health, hope and dignity to those we serve.

Patsy works at a retirement home, but her paycheck isn't enough. "I live month-to-month," said Patsy. "My electric bill behind all the time because I can't afford to pay it and rent out of the same check.
But she's determined to do whatever it takes to care for her children."I just make sure my kids are fed and I don’t worry about myself."

“One gentleman came in with absolutely no food at home, and he had young children. He didn’t even have enough money to go home from the pantry," said Iris, the coordinator of a food pantry in Garner, NC that provides food to more than 600 people every month.

"When I lost my job, got laid off, I didn’t have any food, it was embarrassing,” said Kevin. "But I had to feed the family. I had to do what I had to do."
At the food pantry, he found the groceries, compassion and support he and his family so desperately needed. "The people were nice," says Kevin of his visit. They treat you with respect."

"The mobile pantry at my kid's school is a huge help. It gives us fresh fruits and vegetables today I received tomatoes and asparagus. You can make fresh produce go a long way, and it's critical to my husband's recovery and my children's growth."-Mary and her family

Larry, a Vietnam veteran, was diagnosed with a disabling disease that left him unable to work. Cynthia has diabetes and they often have choose between paying for food and medicine. They utilize a food pantry but, says Cynthia, "if we don't need it I don't come here." Acting in line with their stewardship values, the couple volunteers as much as possible.

“At 17 I was homeless. I slept in my 84 Bronco while still attending my last year of high school and working two full time jobs," said John Laww, Durham resident. "I worked hard and saved up to get my own apartment, and I’ve been on my own ever since. Since that event in my life I can appreciate a good meal because you may not know when you’ll eat again. Food banks definitely saved my life."

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